Downing Street Says » Muslim Veil

He was asked if he regretted the "can of worms" that had been opened by his comments in a local newspaper column last week. Mr Straw said that he did not regret what he had written and he stood by his article. He pointed out that, in the same newspaper today, he had written a further column, which reflected on reaction over the past week. He also drew attention to the fact that he had made almost identical comments in June at a conference in London, organised by the Muslim Council of Britain. Although the media was present on that occasion, not a word of his views was reported.

Asked about divided views among Cabinet colleagues about his comments, the Leader emphasised that it was not a matter of Government policy. He had made his written comments as a concerned constituency MP. He had put his views out for discussion but, as he had made clear, he was not being prescriptive. It was suggested to the Leader that the Deputy Prime Minister had voiced his concerns about possible damage to community relations and that he had spoken privately to him about these. Mr Straw said that he thought the DPM’s response was helpful, but he declined to comment further. Mr Straw said it had not arisen at the Cabinet meeting earlier. On the issue of violence, he condemned it wherever it occurred.

3 Comments »

I have always had a live and let live attitude to the minorities in our society; but, I find it offensive that a muslim woman will cover her face in my presance; and see it as an agressive act. What no one seems to have noticed, is, that this is an act of sexual discrimination, against men; as, this same muslim woman, will quite happily show her face to a woman.
Comment by R Gibbons — 22 Oct 2006 on 7:59 pm | Link
Well i copleatly diss agree with the above comment.A Veil or Hijab is weared by a woman to protect the uppar private part of a woman and to protect themsleves from sexual assult.Moreover they are not forced to wear the hijab but its their choice.
Comment by sanju khan — 15 Nov 2006 on 9:49 pm | Link
Well i copleatly diss agree with the above comment.A Veil or Hijab is weared by a woman to protect the uppar private part of a woman and to protect themsleves from sexual assult.Moreover they are not forced to wear the hijab but its their choice.
Comment by sanju khan — 15 Nov 2006 on 9:50 pm | Link

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» Thursday, October 12, 2006

Muslim Veil

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